Urdu lovers flay ignorance of language

It has been more than two years since the TS Urdu Academy has stopped implementation of all the 24 of its schemes, including providing financial aid for books to get published and awarding the best printed books in the Urdu language under different categories. Alleging neglect, the Urdu lovers, while referring Urdu to be as second official language of Telangana, blamed the lackadaisical attitude of those at the helm of affairs.

According to official sources, TS Urdu Academy has been facing neglect for over the past two years and the situation turned worse after it turned headless following the completion of the term of its last chairman, Maulana Mohammed Raheemuddin Ansari in August, 2021. “Four months back, around ten schemes were approved and government sanctioned for implementation, which provided a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, even those schemes are yet to see the light of the day, despite inviting applications as part of this proposal,” informed an official attached to one of the Minority wings, on condition of anonymity.

For the latest two budgets, `8 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of the schemes, as part of language promotion. However, irregular salaries to the staff is said to be an indicator which reflects the functioning of the Academy. “The decision making at the top level is affected, as those at the helm have poor knowledge about the language or the academy. When the Chairman’s position is vacant, at least a regular Director should have been appointed to ensure smooth functioning of the Academy,” the official felt.

Urdu lovers have time and again raised the issue with the authorities, but of no avail. “How can the government give additional responsibility to an official who is already having at least three other responsibilities?” questioned an activist, Mir Inayat Ali.

When contacted, Home Minister Mahmood Ali did not respond.